Honoring African American History Month: Preparation for the Civil Rights Pilgrimage

Join Rev. Thom each Thursday in February for facilitated discussion sessions related to African American history. These classes are designed as preparatory sessions for those taking the Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Montgomery and Selma (March 27-30) but they are also open to all in the church who wish to participate. Thursdays evenings in February 7-8:30 PM in the Sanctuary. If you need a ride to this evening class, please contact Marion Hirsch hirsch.marion@gmail.com.

Sign up HERE.February 6: From 1619 to Today ​This class will be based on the New York Times special feature The 1619 Project. We will consider the transatlantic slave trade and the ways that slavery continues to shape much of our nation, even today. Suggested Reading:The 1619 Project

February 13: Preparing to Visit the National MemorialAs part of our pilgrimage we will visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. This class will prepare us for this visit. In this class we will examine the legacy of lynching and how anti-lynching organizing was a powerful force that fueled the Civil Rights Movement. We will also familiarize ourselves with local efforts to memorialize Manley McCauley. Suggested Reading: https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/ website, The Blood of Emmett Till by Tim TysonFebruary 20: The MovementIn this class we will hear stories of committed members of the Civil Rights movement. In particular, we will consider the roles of women and young people as leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. Suggested Reading: to be announcedFebruary 27: UUs Answer the Call to SelmaMore UU ministers answered King’s call to Selma than ministers in any other denomination.Two UUs, Viola Liuzzo and James Reeb, lost their lives in Selma. This session will focus on our faith tradition’s participation in the march on Selma. Suggested Reading: The Selma Awakening by Mark Morrison-Reed, Call to Selma by Richard Leonard